Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)

Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain/cramps is characterized by pain the in the lower abdomen in connection to women’s menstrual cycle. Painful menstruation affects almost majority of women population. It is considered one of the reasons in women not to perform daily duties. This pain can linger from the first day of menstruation until the menstrual cycle wears off

Although it is acceptable that some pain can occur during menstruation, it is abnormal if severe pain is experienced. Dysmenorrhea refers to severe menstrual pain severe which is enough to limit normal activities or that requires medication. In some cases, menorrhagia or heavy blood loss during menstruation.

Menstrual pain occurs more to women in their late teenage years and 20s, but declines with age. In some women occurrence of increased menstrual pain in their late 30s and 40s is due to preparation of the endocrine systems for menopause which decreases fertility due to decreasing hormone levels.

Two Types

Primary dysmenorrhea
Secondary dysmenorrhea

Causes

Primary dysmenorrhea occurs during regular menstrual cycles. A woman with primary dysmenorrhea has an increased activity contraction of the uterine muscles. Prostaglandins substance is responsible of the pain; it is released during menstruation due to destruction of the endometrial cells.

Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs in menstrual pain that is attributed to some underlying disease process or any abnormality in either inside or outside the uterus area e.g. leiomyoma, endometriosis, adhesions, adenomyosis, and pelvic inflammatory disorders.

Symptoms

A cramp usually begins a few hours before the start of menstrual cycle and may continue for a couple of days. The pain usually originates from the lower abdomen that radiates to the lower back and thighs.

Other symptoms are nausea and vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, headache and lower backache.

Treatments

An anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen is very effective in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.

Oral contraceptives are 90% effective in improving primary dysmenorrhea and helps by reducing menstrual blood volume and suppressing ovulation.

Heat Compress:
Apply in lower abdominal area to reduce pain

Warm Bath:
Helps in relieving cramps

Ginger tea:
Helps in relieving nausea associated with menstrual cramps

Clary Sage:
Anti-inflammatory and eases mild pain, put a few drops during bath sessions

Other treatment and Prevention

Eat whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables
Avoid saturated fats and junk foods.
Avoid Salty foods
Reduce Caffeine, Sugar, and Alcohol intake
Take Vitamins and Minerals supplements
Sexual activity, orgasm reduces the menstrual cramps.